How We Built a 180 Degree Overhead Camera Rig that Rotates on a Single Arm
How do filmmakers achieve that awesome rotating orbital overhead professional camera effect without having shadows? You've seen the effect used in Euphoria and Atlanta and in BTS and A$AP Rocky videos, but most of the solutions are rigs that have supports on both sides of the camera. We need to clear ten feet and allow natural light so we didn't get those shadows.
Other solutions cinematographers used involve renting a very expensive robotic arm track systems like one from bolt or a Techno Crane. We love finding creative solutions to interesting problems! Max describes how we got creative, did some trial and error, and eventually built our own camera rig to go above and beyond for a client.
As you know, we create marketing videos and commercial cinematography for agencies and bold brands, but ultimately what we’re delivering is peace of mind. On budget and on time is our company mission, and “no” isn’t in our vocabulary; instead we prefer the improv motto of “yes, and…”.
If you can dream it, we can achieve it.
Using truss, speed rail, sandbags, talented Key Grips, GE, best boy, and tons of creativity we were thrilled to pull off this overhead 360 degree (or 180 degree rotation depending on you look at it! ;) camera effect.
Special thanks to The Obsessive DP youtube channel.
Check out our instagrams @maximizevideo and see the final version of the commercial on our website: maximizevideo.com